Getting outside to enjoy summer

Parks and trails galore. There are seriously so options of places to go. These pictures were mostly taken at state parks (and mostly in June - I'll post more pictures later). Over the past two months, though, we have also gone to city parks, regional parks, natural areas, etc. Always trying to go to places that aren't very busy so that we follow coronavirus social distancing measures. In these strange times, it's nice to focus on something basic like nature. The kids love our outings and I enjoy them too.

 

Watching a slug.

July 4th we went to a park as a family.

The Zoo is Open Again!!

Our zoo opened up this week with timed entries allowed via online ticketing and we went Thursday afternoon. We were all happy to get out and walk through our zoo again. Bry and I wore our masks as was recommended but the kids were opposed to wearing theirs and we managed to stay spaced out from other people most of the time. They had one-way arrows to follow around the zoo; the buildings (like the aquarium and the indoor carousel which are the kids' favorites) and playground were closed as to be expected. So we went through fairly quickly but still spent a good amount of time there with a couple breaks for the kids to eat the snacks we brought. It was a warm sunny day which we haven't had a lot of this June. Ha.

Can you spot the tiger's head in the last picture (not the one on Henry's shirt)?

Emma's "last day" of preschool

Her last Zoom class meeting was last Friday. Today we got to pick up her things from the school (spare change of clothes, coloring pages) that included a cap and certificate. I've always thought that graduation ceremonies for little kids seemed sort of silly but I have to say I'm bummed she couldn't have one due to school closures.

The teachers and students in her class helped her to increase her confidence in herself. She learned a lot and made friends. I'm so sad her last 3 months were mostly erased due to the pandemic but she has loved the extra time at home with her brother. Their bond has definitely deepened and they've become even better friends.

Emma is endlessly curious and asks lots of questions. Yesterday she said "Do you know why I ask so many questions? It's because I'm bothered by stuff so I ask because I don't know." She definitely challenges my intelligence by asking questions about things I haven't thought about before. She is extremely thoughtful and good at problem solving. She still needs to work on speaking up sometimes when she wants something or needs help, except in the case of wanting food which she does quite often.

She shares fairly well with Henry and they've both been getting better at communicating with words though hitting/pushing are still a somewhat regular thing. Henry is talking more and more all the time and it's adorable watching his brain work to pull out the right words to describe what he's thinking. 2-year-old speak is adorable.

Emma impresses me often with her thoughtfulness and curiosity and I love her a whole lot.

Henry wanted to try on the cap too.

Emma's birthday (4 months late)

While we were in California for New Year's Eve week my mom made a delicious cake to celebrate Emma's birthday early.

On her birthday when we were back in Washington, Henry and I picked up balloons while she was in preschool as a surprise. Made her a smoothie which she loves. We ate at Cafe Rio for dinner which is her favorite place to eat and to drink lemonade. When we had cupcakes Emma insisted that Henry's cupcake get a candle too. She is an amazing girl.

Easter (belated)

I absolutely thought I already posted Easter pictures on here but apparently I haven't posted all year unless my computer is playing tricks on me.

So here's photos from Easter!

 

Happy reading books.

Starting the hunt for eggs.

Success.

ZooLights tradition

We were able to make it to see the ZooLights once again. It was fun to go as a family and see all that they had set up.

Kids need their snacks. Cuties.